Royal Palm Beach: Take a hike

Bonnie Gross

There aren't many places to take a long wild walk within an hour of Broward/Palm Beach County's population center. A little-known option is the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area. Its 773 acres are composed of a pine forest and wet prairie. The well-maintained trails enable you to take a two-hour 3.6 mile hike. If you get lucky, you may spot the magnificent sandhill cranes who make this home. With a 6-foot wingspan and a loud rattling call, you won't soon forget the experience. To find the preserve, take Oceechobee Boulevard west to Royal Palm Beach Boulevard. Head north to Crestwood Boulevard, where you turn left and go to the entrance of the Saratoga Pines subdivision. There are signs (RPB Park) that lead you to it.

There aren't many places to take a long wild walk within an hour of Broward/Palm Beach County's population center. A little-known option is the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area. Its 773 acres are composed of a pine forest and wet prairie. The well-maintained trails enable you to take a two-hour 3.6 mile hike. If you get lucky, you may spot the magnificent sandhill cranes who make this home. With a 6-foot wingspan and a loud rattling call, you won't soon forget the experience. To find the preserve, take Oceechobee Boulevard west to Royal Palm Beach Boulevard. Head north to Crestwood Boulevard, where you turn left and go to the entrance of the Saratoga Pines subdivision. There are signs (RPB Park) that lead you to it. (Bonnie Gross)

There aren't many places to take a long wild walk within an hour of Broward/Palm Beach County's population center. A little-known option is the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area. Its 773 acres are composed of a pine forest and wet prairie. The well-maintained trails enable you to take a two-hour 3.6 mile hike. If you get lucky, you may spot the magnificent sandhill cranes who make this home. With a 6-foot wingspan and a loud rattling call, you won't soon forget the experience. To find the preserve, take Oceechobee Boulevard west to Royal Palm Beach Boulevard. Head north to Crestwood Boulevard, where you turn left and go to the entrance of the Saratoga Pines subdivision. There are signs (RPB Park) that lead you to it.